Meet Mitch McConnell’s Staff Getting Paid During His Absence
Pressure is mounting for information on McConnell, who has not been seen publicly or voted in the Senate since early June.
Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell, a prominent and influential member of Congress, has been absent from public life for weeks, leading to concerns from his colleagues and staff. McConnell, 84, has not been seen publicly and has missed all Senate votes since June 11, though he continues to cosponsor legislation remotely. His office has released photos and statements claiming his absence is due to a fall and pneumonia, but these have not alleviated speculation about his condition or prompted transparency.
Democratic Governor Andy Beshear has pushed for information on McConnell's well-being, urging his staff to be honest and transparent. However, McConnell's staff has been reluctant to provide concrete answers, raising questions about their salaries during his absence. LegiStorm disclosures show that McConnell's current salary is $193,400, while his staff collectively earned nearly $4 million in the past year, with many top employees earning more than the senator.
Six of McConnell's highest-paid staffers include Stephen Bennett, Shannon Steurer, Cate Taylor, Adam Penn, David Sulfab, and James Carmack. Despite McConnell's frequent falls and health scares, his office has provided minimal information, and Beshear has demanded more public updates to ensure McConnell's fitness for office.
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